ABOUT OAR – CHESTER A. RAY CENTER FOR MEN
Located on the western Michigan lake shore in Holland, Chester A. Ray Center for Men is a small, long-term residential treatment program for adult men struggling with chemical dependency. The center operates on a therapeutic community model for recovery, providing evidence-based therapies and support for transitioning successfully into life after rehab. Ottagan Addictions Recovery (OAR) operates this men’s center as well as Harbor House for women with infant children. The nonprofit regional organization has provided services for more than 45 years and currently also offers outpatient treatment, victim impact panels, family support groups, education addressing driving while intoxicated, and gambling addiction treatment.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Detoxification services are not available at OAR’s Chester A. Ray Center. Clients must be free from alcohol and drug use for at least 72 hours prior to admission.
The therapeutic community model of treatment is highly structured and involves individual and group counseling, educational sessions, reading and writing assignments, recreational therapy, and basic life skills training. Clients are also introduced to 12-step principles and practices, attending up to five meetings per week.
The skills development and transitional preparation aspects of Chester Ray Center build on assigned in-house chores, budgeting and job skills training, and G.E.D. classes. According to the facility’s website, the residential program also includes a privileges and restrictions component that considers the clients time in treatment, their coping skills development, and the clients progress toward treatment goals. As the client earns more privileges, the resident is encouraged to obtain employment or volunteer in the local community.
While the length of rehab differs based on individual treatment plans, the residential program typically lasts between 45 and 90 days. Before program completion, clients often receive assistance with locating housing.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
OAR is CARF-accredited and employs more than three dozen treatment staff members, including certified recovery coaches, master’s-level therapists, social workers, and certified alcohol and drug counselors. According to the facility’s website, all treatment team members are trained and experienced in trauma-sensitive care as well as in treating co-occurring substance use and other mental health disorders.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Chester A. Ray Center is set in a multi-story home in Holland’s historic district. The 12-bed facility is presented in official Facebook page photos as simply furnished, with a large, tree-lined yard. According to the OAR website, donated clothing and toiletries are available to residents.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Best-rehabs.com has yet to receive feedback for OAR’s Chester A. Ray Center from any former clients or staff members. However, the singled loved one polled to date offered overwhelmingly positive opinions of both accommodations and treatment. The reviewer indicated strongly that she would recommend the facility to others.
The loved one, A.V., rated the facility’s cleanliness and upkeep a perfect five stars, and general accommodations, meals, nutrition, exercise and leisure activities, and policies regarding communication outside the center each four stars. The staff’s level of training and experienced also received five stars, and A.V. praised volunteers along with staff as dedicated. However, she provided more moderate three-star ratings for the program’s family participation and holistic therapy offerings.
On the center’s official Facebook page, which staff members may monitor, five out of six individuals granted maximum five-star ratings. In a representative review, Beverly wrote that the rehab center helped both her and her son understand addiction better.[1]
FINANCING
According to the OAR website, Medicare, Medicaid, most commercial insurance plans, and self-pay are accepted, and a sliding fee scale is available.
[1] They provide the reviews to all their patients for their viewing.